Preparing “Fierce Advocates” for Racial Equity: Examining Educational Leadership Preparation

• In Event: Building Equity-Centered Leadership: Readiness, Reflection, and Systemic Support

Abstract

Employing focus groups with early career K-12 administrators, this qualitative study examines how educational leadership preparation programs develop administrators who are equipped to advance racial equity in their schools by asking participants to reflect on the aspects of their preparation that equipped them to identify, confront, and dismantle racial inequities. Findings contrast both program and student experiences. Some participants experienced rich learning opportunities supported by influential, “equity-bent” program faculty. Others described a cursory review of racial equity preparation. Participants described significant challenges in enacting racial equity in their roles. This study contributes to the scholarship by offering insights into cultivating leader competencies and supporting “fierce advocates” who effect positive change in their schools.

Author

• Leslie Ellis, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign